“Blossom by blossom the spring begins”

                                                        – Algernon Charles Swinburne

Spring is here – the days are getting longer, the air is filled with the smells of freshly cut grass and the warmer weather is allowing us the luxury of spending more time enjoying the great outdoors. The yellow daffodils are in bloom and colourful preparations for Easter weekend are underway. Whether you enjoy wandering in the park and sitting under trees in the park, or even looking outside your own window, trees are a wonder to behold at any time of the year. The beauty of spring is that it signifies a rebirth. As if by magic, the wintery bare branches of the trees start to form new leaves and bulbs, thus beginning their new cycle of chlorophyll production – a process which helps to repair damages from the winter too. The arrival of spring also brings more daylight, so we can enjoy the energy that is no longer needed to fight off drowsiness. The increased light triggers the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps us feel happier, and the multi-award-winning retirement communities operated by LifeCare Residences provide the perfect environment for retirees to embrace and enjoy the change of seasons.

The luxury of space

The importance of staying active and healthy in retirement cannot be understated, and access to green space provides an easy and enjoyable way to maintain fitness and improve physical health. The return of spring means that warmer days are on their way and exposure to the sun and Vitamin D helps to improve the immune system’s health and aids in fighting off the bugs that are often in the air at this time of year. Award-winning and internationally renowned retirement community operator, LifeCare Residences, understands the importance of residents staying physically active, and have designed each of their retirement communities with that in mind. Residents at Grove Place are able to enjoy almost unlimited access to 27 acres of artfully tended grounds, located within the picturesque Hampshire countryside – including a historical sunken garden, stunning meadows bursting with flowering plants and bluebell and woodland walks (comprising 875 trees), as well as being able to enjoy the New Forest beyond; a haven for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts alike. To make the most of the beautiful weather and change of seasons, Grove Place, a recent recipient of the Best Hospitality, Retail and Wellness Environment at the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards, will be hosting ‘A Celebration of Spring’ on the 26^th and 27^th of April at 11am. Visitors are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by head gardener, Robin, of the wildlife walk and bluebell woods in full bloom. Robin will also show guests the beehives and explain the art of beekeeping, which will be followed by a talk from a member of the horticultural society. Prospective residents will be able to witness first-hand the majestic beauty of the Elizabethan manor house and take in the 27-acre estate.

Despite being situated in the heart of London, residents at luxury retirement community, Battersea Place, are able to simply step over the road to enjoy the beauty and 200 acres of Battersea Park for a brisk walk or a gentle stroll in the lovely gardens. They can even indulge in a spot of tennis, boules or croquet if the mood takes them.

At Somerleigh Court, located in the heart of Dorchester, residents are right on the doorstep of Borough Gardens, a 19^th century park designed by William Goldring – the brain behind Kew Gardens. They quite literally have history on their doorstep!

Food for thought

The coming of spring means fresh, nutritious foods such as arugula, strawberries, asparagus, carrots and the aptly named ‘spring peas’. Nutrition has a huge impact on the physical health and wellbeing of those in their retirement years, and retirement living operator, LifeCare Residences, ensures that their chef-led meals are well-balanced and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.  Their village teams go the extra mile to ensure that residents benefit from delicious and nutritionally optimal meals. At Somerleigh Court, the team has set up a home delivery service for residents with an emphasis on locally sourced and farm produced products. This also includes providing fresh fish – high in essential oils and fatty acids – caught from the local coast, just ten minutes away. There’s a great emphasis on the importance of fresh, hearty meals. At Battersea Place – the first luxury retirement community in London – residents can take advantage of the delicious food on offer at the on-site restaurant which offers an impressive menu, featuring nutritious and freshly prepared favourites. The restaurant brigade is also on hand to help cater for those who have guests visiting. Like all LifeCare Residences communities, the team at Battersea Place is keen to feature locally produced ingredients on the menu which helps to create healthy, better tasting and more nutritionally balanced dishes. At Grove Place, the team approaches healthy eating for residents with a very simple philosophy; ‘keep it fresh’. They take this seriously and aim to use as many fresh ingredients as possible, keeping menus simple and allowing the produce to take centre stage. They work closely with their suppliers to develop the weekly menu to ensure that most of the offering is in season. At Grove Place, all food suppliers are located within a 40-mile radius, including the local family butcher. Residents at Grove Place also benefit from enjoying the seasonal fruit and vegetables grown in the dedicated kitchen garden. Home-grown leeks, onions, herbs, red chard and even rhubarb are regularly found on the menu. Fresh honey is harvested on-site and given out to residents. Does anything say ‘spring’ like freshly harvested honey?

Spring in your step

Whether it’s Somerleigh Court in Dorchester, Grove Place in Hampshire or Battersea Place in London, residents across all three villages have at their disposal a wealth of activities and fun to explore. Grove Place residents can indulge in a seasonal spring walk taking in the 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways across two National Parks or even pay a visit to the coast and marvel at the stunning views of the beaches and azure blue coastlines. Alternatively, if they don’t feel like wandering too far they can simply step outside their homes and enjoy the 27 acres of land that they call their back garden. Since Somerleigh Court is located in Dorchester town centre, residents are able to experience all that Dorset has to offer – and then some. Spring means the return of the highly enjoyed Dorchester Vegan Market where there will be an extensive offering of stalls from local businesses, bearing delicious hot and cold food; tea, coffee, cakes, ice-creams, tasty cheeses, not to mention natural soaps, perfume oils and eco-friendly clothing which will be on sale. If residents want to enjoy a day out, they might take a short drive down to the Jurassic Coast, the World Heritage Site which stretches for 95 miles, perhaps paying a visit to the picturesque neighbouring seaside towns, such as Lyme Regis and West Bay to enjoy fish and chips by the sea, or even step outside their homes and take a short stroll over to Borough Gardens.

There’s simply no shortage to the endless supply of springtime fun to enjoy. Battersea Place residents in London will be anticipating the return of the much-loved Decorative Arts Spring Fair running from the 9th – 14th of May, with over 150 specialist dealers showcasing every discipline of antiques, fine and decorative art and 20th century design, dating from the 1700s to the 1970s. Residents with grandchildren may want to pay a visit to the Spring Fair running from the 1st to 16th April at the Battersea Power Station, full of family-friendly activities, workshops, games and even a giant flower trail. They may indulge in gourmet Easter themed chocolates afterwards at the luxury Italian chocolatier, Venchi. What better way to enjoy an Easter egg than in such style? Residents can also simply step outside, cross the road, and take a relaxing stroll in Battersea Park. LifeCare Residences recognises the importance of sourcing premium locations as a main factor when choosing village sites. Not only do residents enjoy five-star amenities, there is a world of adventure on their doorsteps and, with spring arriving in all its glory, there’s no end to the possibilities of fun on offer.

If you would like to learn more about our offering and how we can enhance the ‘every day’ please call 0800 009 6950. For those who are unable to visit in person, we are also able to offer virtual tours of our communities at your convenience.

LifeCare Residences. We care about living life.